Pope Benedict XI
Benedict XI,
pope (
1303-
1304), succeeded the famous
Boniface VII, but was unable to carry out his Ultramontane policy. He released
Philip the Fair of
France from the excommunication laid upon him by Boniface, and practically ignored the bull
Unam Sanctum. The
popes who immediately succeeded him were completely under the influence of the kings of
France, and removed the Papal seat from
Rome to
Avignon, sometimes known as the
Babylonian Captivity.